Today I'd like to give you a few tips for protecting or eliminating moths from your cupboards...

First of all, what is a moth?

It's a member of the moth family, more specifically the tineid family. Moths love animal fibers and sweat residues, which they feed on. They seek out quiet, dark places. Our closets are the ideal place for them.

The moth that attacks our clothes is silver-white, unlike the food moth, which is dark.  

 

Do moths like mohair?

Yes, moths like fibers that contain keratin, a protein that nourishes them. So they love wool, mohair, alpaca, silk and cashmere...

How to avoid moths?

1/ Moths hate intense fragrances. Cedar, lavender, thyme and mint, for example, can be effective in preventing moths. Ring-shaped cedar, for example, is available from @coutume.store. 

2/ Moths are more attracted to clothes that have already been worn, because of the dandruff, skin and sweat residues that are like the smell of a good meal to them! When summer arrives, if you tend to fall victim to moths in your home, and your sweater has been in the closet for a long time, you can wash it before storing it, as it will be less "attractive".

3/ Moth traps. Moth traps aren't much use once you're infested, but they do provide useful early detection. 

4/ You can also dust your sweaters and vacuum your storage spaces regularly, without forgetting the nooks and crannies.

How do I get rid of an infestation?

 1/ The first step is to eliminate the adults, which are the source of the larvae. Secondly, eliminate the larvae, as they are the ones that nibble at the linen.

2/ To do this, vacuum your cupboards and clean everything thoroughly. Ventilate.

Put your sweaters in the freezer for 72 hours, then wash them thoroughly.

During treatment, the only protection for "healthy" sweaters is to store them in an airtight (plastic) box.

That's it! Now you know everything! One more thing ... I haven't found any information on this subject, but I'm wondering whether mohair's large bristles aren't a "repellent" for moths, which, in my opinion, prefer cashmere or merino wool, for example, as I've never had a visit from them, either at the office or at home, in all the years I've been surrounded by mohair! Don't hesitate to send me an e-mail to contact@katiasanchez.com to share your experience!